The term Response Coherence refers to the way the machine responds to control activation.

The dilemma of response coherence is about the consistency vs. adaptability of the system response to the activation of user-interface controls. The demands for consistency and adaptability contradict each other. Each may help or disturb the operation, depending on the situation.

• In some situations we favor consistency to enable seamless operation, which is essential for skill acquisition.
• In other situations, we favor adaptability to enable operators to interact with the system in ways unforeseen at design time.

The dilemma is how to adapt the machine behavior to the operators expectations in specific situations and with specific needs, while ensuring the essential virtues of consistency.

Updated on 13 Jul 2016.